Home Value
$1,031,300
266% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
346/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.3%
169% higher than US avg
How La Bajada Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female73% / 27%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
Per Capita$26,100
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$3,815M
Housing
Home Value$1,031,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$277,041
Housing Units7
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent346/100K
Property4,283/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Smoking20.8%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,472 ft (1,668 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score7.27
Community
2024 VoteR 33% / D 63%
Broadband7.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is La Bajada a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Bajada receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. La Bajada offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Bajada is $1,031,300, making it a premium housing market at 266% above the U.S. median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Bajada is below the national average at 346 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,283 per 100,000, 119% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
La Bajada enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 8.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
La Bajada has a population of 15 with a density of 88 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 26.7% female and 73.3% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 68.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Bajada vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Social Characteristics
La Bajada vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $26,100 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $2,191, 53% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 33.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 606 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Bajada vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,100 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,191 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $130,620 |
| Gini Index | 0.391 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.3% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 606 |
| County GDP | $3,815M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in La Bajada is $1,031,300, 266% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,041, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $1,031,300 |
| 266% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,041 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 7 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.39% |
In La Bajada, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.7% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:644. The dentist ratio is 1:1,010. 99.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Bajada vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 44.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:644 |
| Dentists | 1:1,010 |
| Mental Health | 1:354 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 3,583/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
La Bajada has a violent crime rate of 346 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,283 per 100,000, 119% above the U.S. average. Overall, La Bajada receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Bajada vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 346.4/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,283.2/100K |
| 119% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Bajada enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,472 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,472 ft (1,668 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 88/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5565°N, 106.2436°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Los Alamos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Santa Fe Regional (SAF) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
78 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.1 on Apr 29, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
135 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
135 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
87 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
23 km WSW of Springer, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Oct 17, 2011 |
3 km SE of Cuyamungue, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
41 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
61 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
61 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1989 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1981 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1956 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2023 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (180 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
180 km |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
200 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HERMITS PEAK (352,046 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HERMITS PEAK |
352,046 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
33 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
61 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
26 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
51 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
51 km |
| 2013 |
TRES LAGUNAS |
5,832 |
55 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
MIDNIGHT |
5,293 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
ALAMOSA RX UNIT 1 FY24 |
4,616 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
PINO |
4,415 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
La Bajada has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in La Bajada. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About La Bajada
What is the population of La Bajada?
La Bajada has a population of 15 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 88 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 26.7% female and 73.3% male.
Is La Bajada expensive to live in?
La Bajada is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $1,031,300 (266% above the U.S. median).
Is La Bajada safe?
La Bajada is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 346 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,283 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Bajada receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Bajada?
La Bajada enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches, with 8.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in La Bajada?
The job market in La Bajada is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $2,191. There are 606 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in La Bajada?
The median home value in La Bajada is $1,031,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,041. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in La Bajada?
Schools in La Bajada perform well, with an average test score of 7.3 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 0.0% of adults in La Bajada hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Bajada?
The obesity rate in La Bajada is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 99.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:644.
What are the demographics of La Bajada?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Bajada is 86.7% White. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.3% of residents have a disability. 68.8% have health insurance coverage.